Donations by St. Lawrence County farmers to emergency food programs can earn them refundable tax credits starting in the next tax year.

The tax credit program is expected to save farmers around the state $10 million annually.

Madrid dairy farmer and New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, "New York's farmers have historically been generous with their food donations. The tax credit will help offset a portion of the costs to pick, package and deliver the fresh produce to regional food banks and pantries. We encourage farmers to take advantage of the credit, available for the first time this year, and to always think about their local food banks as an opportunity to increase the availability of healthy, local food to New Yorkers in need."

“As the fall harvest winds down, I want to remind farmers that they can help those in need while offsetting their costs by donating to qualified food banks, pantries and emergency food programs,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball. “It’s a win-win, helping to feed those in need and providing a boost to those who produce our abundant and nutritious farm foods and beverages.”

The tax credits can be claimed on donations of fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat and some dairy products to qualified food pantries, food banks and other emergency food programs. Last year, New York State farmers donated more than 10 million pounds of food through the Harvest for All Feeding America Program.

State Tax & Finance Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion said, “We’re proud to administer this beneficial tax credit to support our farmers and those who rely on food banks and pantries for healthful, locally grown meals.”

Donations need to meet quality and labeling standards. The credit is equal to 25 percent of the fair market value of qualified donations, with a maximum benefit of $5,000 per year. An eligible farmer who makes qualified donations with a fair market value of $12,000 this year would be allowed a 25 percent credit, equaling $3,000.

Those eligible to claim the refundable tax credit include business owners subject to New York State income tax whose incomes are primarily from farming activity. Corporate franchise tax-payers and farmers who are in partnerships or are shareholders of a New York State corporation can also claim the credit.

To claim the credit, the taxpayer must receive proof of the donation in the form of a receipt or written acknowledgment from the eligible food program.

More information on the guidelines and record-keeping requirements for farm donations to food pantries can be found in a fact sheet on the New York State Department of Taxation’s website at https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/credits/farm-donations-to-food-pantries-credit.htm .